New Jersey

Society of Asphalt Technologists

Asphalt Technician Certification Program

Manual

January 2017

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INTRODUCTION

The New Jersey Society of Asphalt Technologists (NJSAT) is a non-profit organization which

has the following objectives, in accordance with its constitution:

A. To gather and disseminate information on quality asphalt technology intended to improve

the design, construction and maintenance of asphalt pavements.

B. To search for ways and means to reduce the life cycle costs of asphalt pavements

wherever possible and to increase the efficiency of various facets of manufacture and

construction of asphalt pavements.

C. To lend support and assistance to other associations in their endeavors to advance asphalt

technology, such as: AAPT, ACCNJ, APA, Asphalt Institute, CIAP, NAPA, New Jersey

Asphalt Pavement Association and other organizations in their efforts to improve asphalt

technology.

D. To be aware and supportive of asphalt research wherever possible.

In keeping with these objectives, the NJSAT has established a Certification Committee to

administer the Asphalt Technician Certification Program. The program is designed to train

technicians in asphalt technology and to improve quality and thus life cycle costs by ensuring

qualified technicians are performing the testing and inspection of asphalt pavements.

GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE

The Certification Committee shall be named by the President or the Board of Trustees and shall

be comprised of members of the Board of Trustees. At a minimum, the Committee shall consist

of two members from New Jersey transportation agencies and two members from the

industry/consulting community. The President shall also appoint one of the members to be the

Certification Committee Chairman. The President is an ex-officio member of the Certification

Committee. Attachment #1 contains the current Certification Committee members.

The Certification Committee Chairman may call meetings of the Committee as necessary to

conduct the business of the Committee. A quorum of the Certification Committee is considered

to be 75% of the members and all voting of the Committee shall be by a simple majority of those

present at any duly called meeting of the Committee unless otherwise stated in these regulations.

A meeting is considered “duly called” when the Chairman notifies all Committee members a

minimum of one week in advance. A duly called meeting may also be scheduled by the

President when he notifies all Certification Committee members at least two weeks in advance.

DEFINITION OF CERTIFIED

Within the context of this manual and the NJSAT asphalt technician certification program, the

term “certified” is defined as the end result for someone who is qualified by successfully meeting

the requirements in one of the technical areas for which NJSAT offers certification. These are

certifications solely defined by NJSAT and establish that the recipient has demonstrated a

required level of knowledge and competence.

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DISCLAIMERS

Certification of an individual by NJSAT indicates only that the technician has demonstrated a

certain level of knowledge and proficiency in a selected subject matter. Each individual or

organization utilizing certified individuals must make its own judgment of the overall

competence of the certified technician. NJSAT specifically disclaims any responsibility for the

actions, or the failure to act, of technicians who have been certified through NJSAT.

CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES

Persons with disabilities and those who have special needs should notify the course instructor at

the time of registration so that appropriate accommodations can be made.

CERTIFICATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Initial certification will be granted to those individuals who meet the requirements as listed

below for the individual subject matter and apply to the NJSAT. Initial certification shall include

a one year membership to NJSAT. The initial certification shall be for a period of five (5) years.

Each certification shall have the following requirements for certification (also shown in

Attachment #2):

A. Asphalt Plant Technologist, Level 1

1. Satisfactorily complete a course on asphalt technology which contains both

classroom and hands-on laboratory work, and which involves a minimum of twenty-

five (25) lecture hours and a minimum of ten (10) hours of laboratory work; and

2. At least one year of experience in hot mix asphalt testing, plant inspection, plant

operation or flexible pavement design (Attachment #4); and

3. Satisfactorily complete an NJSAT administered examination on quality control of

asphalt mixture production operations with a score of eighty percent (80%) or better.

NOTE: Certifications which were issued by NJSAT for “Asphalt Plant Technologist” with

no level being designated are equivalent to “Asphalt Plant Technologist, Level 1”.

B. Asphalt Plant Technologist, Level 2

1. Satisfactorily complete a course on advanced asphalt technology which contains

both classroom and hands-on laboratory work, and which includes a minimum of

twenty-five (25) lecture hours and a minimum of ten (10) hours of laboratory work;

and

2. Previously certified by NJSAT as Asphalt Plant Technologist, Level 1; and

3. Satisfactorily complete an NJSAT administered examination on advanced quality

control of asphalt mixture production operations and Superpave with a score of

eighty percent (80%) or better.

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C. Asphalt Paving Construction Technologist

1. Satisfactorily complete a course on asphalt paving construction technology which

includes a minimum of twenty-two (22) total hours; and

2. At least one year of experience in hot mix asphalt pavement construction, inspection

or flexible pavement design (Attachment #4); and

3. Satisfactorily complete an NJSAT administered examination on various aspects of

asphalt pavement construction operations with a score of eighty percent (80%) or

better.

Approval of Courses

The Certification Committee will approve courses which will be considered appropriate for

certification in each of the three subject matters. It is recommended that candidates attend a pre-

approved course. Candidates may, however, submit to the Committee for consideration any

course which meets the above requirements. With the submittal, candidates should include the

name of the course, instructor(s) name and contact information, and an outline of the course.

Approval of Experience

An individual’s experience will be reviewed by a member of the Certification Committee for a

determination on meeting the requirements for a certification. The review by a single Committee

member shall be considered sufficient for decision on the credentials of a candidate. If a

candidate objects to the decision, he may appeal to the Certification Committee by writing a

letter to the Certification Committee Chairman. The Committee will consider the appeal at a

duly called meeting of the Committee.

Development/Modification of Exams

The Certification Committee will be responsible for development and modification of exams for

the three certification disciplines. The Committee may request assistance from outside experts in

the development of the exams and may use a pilot testing program to check modifications to the

exams. Examination papers are considered confidential, and candidates may not remove them

from the examination room. Candidates will not be allowed to review their examination papers

after the exam, but the exam grader will review incorrect answers with the candidate upon

request. Exams will be graded by a Certification Committee member or his designee based upon

an answer key developed by the Committee.

Retest Policy

For candidates who score 60% or lower, retest will not be allowed without retaking an approved

course. A candidate who fails the exam (scores less than 80% but has a score greater than 60%,

will be allowed to take a retest. The Course Administrator shall establish a retest date 30 - 90

days from the initial test date. The candidate is responsible to appear at the scheduled retest or

forfeit the right to a retest. The candidate must score 80% or greater on the retest to be

considered passing. For those candidates who fail the retest, no further testing will be conducted

until the candidate has retaken an approved course. A re-testing fee for administrative costs will

be charged at the time of the re-test.

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RECERTIFICATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Recertification is required every five years for each of the three disciplines. The exception to

this policy is for those individuals who were permanently certified as Asphalt Plant Technologist

when permanent certification was the NJSAT policy. Those individuals are considered to be

permanently certified as Asphalt Plant Technologist, Level 1. Once an individual has become

certified as an Asphalt Plant Technologist, Level 2, there is no need for the individual to be

recertified as an Asphalt Plant Technologist, Level 1.

In order to be recertified, an individual must verify attendance at asphalt technology conferences,

seminars, symposia, workshops, or online courses for at least twenty (20) hours of continuing

education/training over the course of the five (5) years. The acceptable hours for a course will be

the PDHs or CEUs that are given for the course. If PDHs or CEUs are not listed on the

certificate, the hours are based on the hours of instruction listed in the agenda or syllabus and

exclude breaks and non-technical (e.g. welcome) presentations. Proof of attendance, not just

registration, is required for each course attended. NJSAT dinner meetings are considered 2 hours

for recertification. Examples of acceptable continuing education/training are listed in Attachment

#3.

Note: For NJSAT dinner meetings, no proof of attendance is required. Sign-in sheets

will be used to verify attendance.

Candidates for recertification will submit a recertification form listing their continued education

for the past five (5) years. The form will be reviewed by a member of the Certification

Committee for a determination on meeting the requirements for recertification. The review by a

single Committee member or his designee shall be considered sufficient for a decision on the

credentials of a candidate. If a candidate objects to the decision, they may appeal to the

Certification Committee by writing a letter to the Certification Committee Chairman. The

Committee will consider the appeal at a duly called meeting of the Committee. The Re-

certification form is found as Attachment #5.

RECIPROCITY

Reciprocity with other jurisdiction will be considered on an individual basis.

The NJSAT will certify an individual with a valid certification from another jurisdiction

provided that:

1. The valid certification jurisdiction is acceptable to the NJSAT Certification Board.

2. The certification requirements of the other jurisdictions are similar to NJSAT and the

other jurisdictions certification course content is acceptable to the Certification Board.

3. The individual passes the written certification test for the level of certification being

sought. There will be no retest available and failure to pass the written test will require

the individual to take the NJSAT certification course for the level of certification being

sought.

4. Certification will be valid for five years and recertification will be required after five

years upon satisfactory completion of the recertification requirements.

5. All decisions of the Certification Board are final.

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CERTIFICATION - EXPIRATION AND REACTIVATION

Certification will be considered expired on the day following the fifth year of initial certification.

If the individual does not seek recertification prior to the expiration date, then the certification is

expired.

If 0-12 months lapse before Paving, Plant Level I or Plant Level II recertification, then the

individual will be recertified if he/she can verify through the recertification application, 20 hours

of continuing education as described in the Recertification Policy and Procedures of the Asphalt

Technician Certification Program Manual (Manual) and payment of the required fees for Paving,

Plant Level I or Plant Level II Certifications.

For Paving & Plant Level I Certification

If 12-18 months lapse before recertification, then the individual must retake and pass the

respective examination for Paving or Plant Level I. If a passing grade is not achieved, there is no

retest and the respective course must be repeated. All retest fees will apply.

For Plant Level II Certification

If 12-18 months lapse before recertification, then the individual must retake and pass the

examination for Plant Level I and Plant Level II. If a passing grade is not achieved, the course

corresponding the failing grade must be repeated. If both test scores are not passing, then both

courses must be repeated. All retest fees apply.

For Paving, Plant Level I and Plant Level II Certification

If 18 months or more has lapsed before recertification, then the course or courses must be

repeated.

DECERTIFICATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

A certified individual may be decertified (have their certification voided) for any of the

following reasons:

Failure to meet recertification criteria.

Conclusive evidence of falsifying test results, records or reports submitted to and upheld

by the Certification Committee.

o 1st offense – one (1) year suspension of certification.

o 2nd

offense – permanent loss of certification.

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Improper performance of tests as documented by another certified technician and upheld

by the Certification Committee. Documentation to be submitted on “Report of Improper

Testing, Construction, or Inspection Form”, (See Attachment #6).

o 1st offense – written warning from NJSAT Certification Committee

o 2nd

offense – five (5) day suspension of certification

o 3rd

offense – suspension until completion of an approved course on HMA quality

control testing.

Failure to construct, or inspect the construction of, hot mix asphalt in accordance with

best construction practices as documented by another certified technician and upheld by

the Certification Committee. Documentation to be submitted on “Report of Improper

Testing, Construction, or Inspection Form”, (See Attachment #6).

o 1st offense - written warning from NJSAT Certification Committee

o 2nd

offense – five (5) day suspension of certification

o 3rd

offense – suspension until completion of an approved course on HMA

construction.

Improper performance could be for not following best construction practices, improper test

procedure, not having the required equipment, or not calibrating equipment properly and

reported by a NJSAT certified technician. The report shall be made by letter to the Certification

Committee Chairman including the name of the technician performing the test or construction

improperly, details of the infraction including date, location, and complete description of

improper test procedure or construction practices, and the name and contact information for the

technician reporting the infraction. Anonymous reports will not be considered by the Committee.

The Certification Committee will review all reports submitted at a duly called meeting to

determine validity of the report. If the infraction is upheld, the Committee will take appropriate

action. Upon executing a decision, the Committee will notify both the individual committing the

infraction and the individual making the report.

All documented infractions, deficiencies and suspensions for improper performance of tests or

construction practices will remain part of an individual’s certification record for five years or

until recertification. Infractions for falsification will remain a permanent part of an individual’s

certification record.

COMPLAINTS/PROTESTS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Any individual wishing to register a complaint/protest regarding a course, examination or

“Report of Improper Testing, Construction, or Inspection Form” must do so in writing within 30

days of the event to either the Certification Committee Chairman or the NJSAT President. The

written complaint/protest must be specific with regards to location, person(s) involved and the

exact nature of the complaint/protest. The complaint/protest must be dated and bear the name

and signature of the person making the complaint/protest. All complaints/protests will be

addressed by the NJSAT Certification Committee at a duly called meeting and will be answered

in writing.

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Attachment #1

Certification Committee Membership

(as Appointed by NJSAT President)

Chairman: Rob Fischer, P.E. – New Jersey Turnpike Authority

Members: Eileen C. Sheehy, P.E. – NJDOT

Thomas Bennert, Ph.D. – Rutgers University

Wayne Byard – Trap Rock Industries

Robert Sauber – RWS Consulting, LLC

John Varrone – Port Authority of NY/NJ

Kaz Tabrizi, Ph.D., P.E. – Advanced Infrastructure Design

Ex-officio Member: Current President of NJSAT

Correspondence to the Certification Committee can be sent to the following:

NJSAT

PO Box 458

Allentown, NJ 08501

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Attachment #2

Certification Fee Schedule

A. Asphalt Plant Technologist, Level 1

1. Initial Certification: Certification Fee includes 1 year of membership to the NJSAT

and 5 year certification. Initial certification fee is $125.

2. Retest for Initial Certification: $25 for administering exam

3. Re-certification: $100 fee for each certification to be re-certified. Membership is not

included in re-certification fee.

4. Both initial certification and re-certification are good for five (5) years.

B. Asphalt Plant Technologist, Level 2

1. Initial Certification: Certification Fee includes 1 year of membership to the NJSAT

and 5 year certification. Initial certification fee is $125.

2. Retest for Initial Certification: $25 for administering exam

3. Re-certification: $100 fee for each certification to be re-certified. Membership is not

included in re-certification fee.

4. Both initial certification and re-certification are good for five (5) years.

NOTE: After achieving Level 2 certification, it is not necessary to maintain Level 1

certification.

C. Asphalt Paving Construction Technologist, Level 1

1. Initial Certification: Certification Fee includes 1 year of membership to the NJSAT

and 5 year certification. Initial certification fee is $125.

2. Retest for Initial Certification: $25 for administering exam

3. Re-certification: $100 fee for each certification to be re-certified. Membership is not

included in re-certification fee.

4. Both initial certification and re-certification are good for five (5) years.

D. Certification Replacement

1. A $25 fee will be assessed for the replacement of a current certificate and/or card.

NOTE #1: Fees do not include costs for any training course(s) taken by the individual.

Certification fee covers the exam administration costs and the certification administrative costs.

There will be no refunds of fees for exam failures, suspension or de-certification. There will be

an additional fee charged for administrative costs if a re-test is required for any reason.

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Attachment #3

Examples of Asphalt Technology Conferences/Seminars/Workshops

For Recertification

NJ, NY and PA State Asphalt Paving Conferences

Federal Aviation Administration Region 1 Conference on Airports

NJ Society of Asphalt Technologist Quarterly Meetings

Note: Each NJSAT Dinner Seminar counts as 2 hours of training.

National Asphalt Paving Association (NAPA) Meetings/Programs

Association of Asphalt Paving Technologist (AAPT) Meetings

Mid-Atlantic Quality Assurance Workshops

Northeastern States Materials Engineers (NESMEA) Meetings

Northeastern Asphalt User/Producer Group (NEAUPG)Meetings

Asphalt Institute Training Programs/Webinars

Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA) Meetings/Programs

NJ Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)/Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and

Transportation (CAIT) asphalt training courses

Transportation Research Board (TRB) asphalt programs/webinars

FHWA Asphalt Related Training Programs/Webinars

NJDOT/Port Authority of NY/NJ Asphalt Related Training Programs

Clarence Richard: Plant Operation e-Workshop at www.clarencerichard.com

NHI asphalt related Web-based Training courses available at: http://fhwa.adobeconnect.com/wbtenroll/

Pavia Systems: Online Training for the Asphalt Pavement Industry at

http://training.paviasystems.com/catalog/index.php.

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Please Indicate:

Attachment #4

New Jersey Society of Asphalt Technologists

Experience Application

Prior to taking either the HMA Construction Technologist or HMA Plant Technologist Level 1

courses, an applicant must have a minimum of one year experience in asphalt pavement

construction or other related projects, i.e., testing laboratory, field inspection, etc.

HMA Construction Technologist HMA Plant Technologist Level 1

Starting with your present position, please list your experience. You may attach a resume.

*** Please Print Clearly ***

Date of Work (From/To)

Project Name/Location

Work Conducted For (Agency/Private)

Name/Title of Supervisor

Brief Description of Responsibilities

Date of Work (From/To)

Project Name/Location

Work Conducted For (Agency/Private)

Name/Title of Supervisor

Brief Description of Responsibilities

Date of Work

(From/To) Project

Name/Location Work Conducted For

(Agency/Private) Name/Title of Supervisor

Brief Description of Responsibilities

Date of Work

(From/To) Project

Name/Location Work Conducted For

(Agency/Private) Name/Title of Supervisor

Brief Description of Responsibilities

Name

Home Address

City

State

Zip

Email

Phone

Business Affiliation

New Jersey Society of Asphalt Technologists

Recertification Application

Rev. October 29, 2017

New Jersey Society of Asphalt Technologists RECERTIFICATION is required after 5 years. The applicant must verify

20 hours of asphalt related instruction over the course of 5 years in order to maintain their certification.

Certification fee and mailing address are subject to change. Please go to www.njsat.org to confirm both fee and address before submitting this form.

Recertification For:

PAVING ($100)

PLANT LEVEL ONE ($100)

PLANT LEVEL TWO ($100)

Present Certification Expires In The Year:

Please provide a copy of your current ID card or certificate showing your expiration date. Supporting documentation for continuing education classes listed is required. PDH hours are equivalent to training hours.

Date of Event Name of Event Location Hours Instructor/Speaker

First Name…MI… Last Name…Suffix ID No. Home Address City State Zip Email Phone Business Affiliation

NJSAT Membership Information While it is not necessary to maintain certification, membership is vital to our existence. Your dues of $25 per year support our organization’s efforts in continuing education, seminars, scholarships, and other ventures in improving the quality of hot mix asphalt. Active membership is required to access some areas of the NJSAT website, pay reduced fees at quarterly NJSAT dinners and events, and to be eligible for scholarships. If you’d like to become a new member or continue your membership, please go to www.njsat.org/calendar.htm and you may pay dues online. Thank you!

Return this form along with your check in the appropriate amount payable to NJSAT to: NJSAT, Attn: John Nakonechy, 78 Morning Glory Road, Warren, NJ 07059

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Attachment #6

New Jersey Society of Asphalt Technologists

REPORT OF IMPROPER TESTING, CONSTRUCTION, OR

INSPECTION

The undersigned NJSAT Certified Individual or current NJSAT Board or Committee

member has witnessed and documented improper test procedures or inspection being

utilized by the following individual:

Name Certification No.

Date(s) of Incident

Time(s) of Incident

Location(s) of Incident

Description of the improper construction, test procedure, or inspection (continue on additional sheets if necessary):

Certified Individual, Board or Committee Member Cert. No. Date

Signature